The word 占领 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core action to create a unified concept. The first character, 占 (zhàn), carries the fundamental idea of seizing, occupying, or taking possession. The second character, 领 (lǐng), introduces the notion of a territory, a domain, or a sphere of control (originally from the meaning "neck", a vital, controlling part of the body). When joined, the action of 占 is directly and logically applied to the object implied by 领, visually and conceptually depicting the process of "seizing control over a territory", which is the essence of "to occupy" or "capture".